Lady: You know what, I think I'm gonna give up on the whole weird disclaimer thing I mentioned at the beginning of chapter 1. I'm just too lazy to be that creative and write a story. I can just say at the top now that:

Beyblade and all characters related to it are property of Aoki Takao, Hudson Soft / Takara - Beyblade Project - TV Tokyo. Appolene, the Feathered Kingdom Bladers and all other random characters that appear in this fic that you do not recognise from the show are copyright to me.

Chapter 4 – The Russian Ball (part 1)

"I'll see you later then," Appolene said.

Kai nodded and, after kissing her gently on the cheek, strode back to his own hotel room. Appolene sighed and smiled serenely as she leant back against the door. She didn't notice the sudden click from the other side of the door and the grinding as the handle turned. It was only when she fell backwards onto the carpeted floor of the room that she realised anything. Gwennie and Heather looked down at her, grinning.

"Did you have a good time?" the blonde enquired.

Appolene blinked and then frowned.

"Don't be so nosey," she said irritably, getting to her feet and closing the door.

"Oooh," Heather cooed. "It must have been good if she won't tell."

"Huh, what! No!" Appolene's face turned red as Heather and Gwennie giggled. "Oh, shut up you guys!"

"Nuh uh, not until you tell us what happened," the raven-haired girl smirked.

"Yeah, we are gonna bug you all evening if you don't," Gwennie added.

Appolene pouted and looked away.

"I'm not telling you anything," she said defiantly.

"Well, if that's the case," Gwennie sighed, looking at Heather.

"Yes, it looks like we will have to force it out of her," Heather nodded seriously.

Appolene froze up and jerkily turned to look at them.

"What do you mean "force it out" of me?" she asked nervously.

The two girls exchanged glances and grinned. Before she could do anything they pounced on her, sending her back to the ground. Gwennie grabbed her hands and sat on her legs to stop her from moving. Appolene's eyes widened as Heather pulled a long feather from her pocket. No, they wouldn't…would they?

The next moment she was screaming with laughter as the feather ran back and forth vigorously across her stomach.

"No! No, please stop it!" she gasped when possible.

"Only if you tell us what happened," Gwennie replied.

"No!" Appolene screamed.

"Ah well then, we can't stop," Heather smiled and continued her torture.

Tears were running down Appolene's cheeks. This was agony. The two girls smirked, knowing that she was about to crack. They could see she was not going to be able to take much more of this.

"Hey, what are you girls doing?" a voiced yawned.

They stopped and looked up to see Delaney leaning against the door frame, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Aw Delaney! You ruined it! We almost had her," Heather whined.

"Wha?" Delaney's face creased in confusion as he stared at them. Then his gaze fell on the feather, then Appolene. "Aw no, not this again. Don't tell me you were tickling Appy with that feather."

"Of course we were. We wanted to know what happened on her date with Kai and this was the only way to get it out of her," Gwennie said sulkily.

Delaney rolled his eyes and pushed Gwennie off of Appolene. He then pulled her up.

"You girls need to learn not to be so nosey. It's really none of your business."

Both Heather and Gwennie stuck their tongues out at him. Delaney just laughed and he and Appolene went into the adjoining room.

"Thanks Delaney," Appolene smiled.

"No problem," the red-head yawned, curling up on his bed again. "Wake me when it's dinner time."

The dining room was clear of the usual guests when the Bladebreakers entered. Only three of the tables were occupied and these were by teams for the tournament. The Bladebreakers sat down at a table close by and looked about, wondering what was going on.

"Ahem," a voice said.

All the teams turned to see Mr. Dickenson enter, smiling broadly.

"Ah good, is this everyone?" he enquired to the man who had followed him in.

"I believe so, Sir. The Bladebreakers, the All Starz, the White Tigers and the Feathered Kingdom Bladers are all present," was his reply.

"Good good. And the Majestics went straight there, didn't they?"

"Yes Sir."

"Right then."

All the teams looked equally bewildered as the stout chairman of the BBA came towards them.

"Good evening," he beamed at them, looking around at their confused faces. There was silence as everyone waited for him to explain what was going on. He cleared his throat. "Seems you're all wondering what is going on, hmm? Well, I had the dining room reserved for you as I have an announcement to make to you all."

All members of the teams exchanged looks but said nothing.

"It seems there has been a slight change in the schedule for the tournament. It has been moved to later this week –"

"What!"

Everyone turned to stare at Tyson who had pushed out of his chair, banging his fists on the table.

"You are kidding, right Mr. D?"

The elderly man shook his head.

"No Tyson, I am being quite serious."

"What? But why?"

"It seems that there has been trouble with the spectators arriving due to the weather. Flights have been difficult, especially from the East. So, as the weather is supposed to clear up fully by the end of the week, the tournament has been moved to then."

Tyson slumped back into his chair.

"Aw man, so what are we supposed to do?"

"I was just coming to that Tyson. To make up for this schedule change, our hosts will be holding a ball for all the teams and some other special guests the day after tomorrow."

Tyson's mouth dropped open.

"A what?"

"A ball, Tyson. Try listening," Hilary snapped, pulling on Tyson's ears.

"Hey, I was listening! But come on, how the heck is a ball going to make up for this? They are lame and boring and dumb! Who'd want to go to one?"

"Well, I would," Rei said.

"Yeah, and me," Max nodded.

Tyson stared at them.

"Guys, you aren't serious?"

"Sure we are. It sounds like fun," the neko-jin grinned.

Tyson shook his head in disbelief and then turned to Kai.

"At least you will back me up on this, won'tcha Kai? You hate social events so there's no way you'd wanna go, right?"

Kai looked at him and then glanced over at the table where Appolene was sitting. Gwennie and Heather were nudging her and nodding in his direction whilst she tried to bat them away, blushing.

"Actually, I would," he smirked.

There was a loud clunk as Tyson's chair hit the floor, quickly followed by Tyson himself. He could not believe this.

"Oh, grow up Tyson," Hilary said irritably.

"Erm…anyway, as I was saying," Mr. Dickenson continued, wiping his brow with a handkerchief, "the ball is the day after tomorrow. This is because it is not being held here in Moscow but in St. Petersburg and as that is some way away and the planes are unavailable you will have to take the train. It will be leaving early tomorrow morning and will take approximately a day to reach St. Petersburg. So, eat up kids and then pack your things and get off to bed. Early to bed, early to rise and all that," he chuckled.

He beamed and then left.

"Wow, a ball!" Gwennie squealed in delight, clasping hands with Heather. "This is gonna be so awesome!"

Appolene and Delaney rolled their eyes. Heather smirked at Appolene.

"Aw, come on Appy. You've gotta be excited too. What girl wouldn't want to go to a ball?"

"Me," Appolene said. "It'll be so embarrassing."

"Ah, but Kai will be there so why would you care? Hmm?"

"Oh, would you two just shut up, please. You're a couple of broken records," Delaney groaned as he reached for a menu. "Can't we just talk about something else, just once? Appy's love life gets incredibly dull very quickly. No offence Appy," he added.

"None taken. No, you're right. We should really talk about something else. Like how was your day. You never did tell me what you did."

"So what do you think of this ball idea Mariah?" Kevin asked.

"Oh, I think it's a wonderful idea," the pink-haired neko-jin replied.

"Thought as much."

"Huh? What is that supposed to mean? Huh Kevin?"

"Oh, we all know you really want to spend some "quality time" with Rei," Kevin said, browsing the menu. "And you know this will be the perfect opportunity."

Mariah scowled and whacked Kevin on the head with her own menu.

"Yeah, so what?"

"Ow! Nothing, I was just saying!"

"Will you two stop fighting," Lee growled. "You'll make a bad impression."

"Sorry Lee. But I'm sure no one cares. I mean, Tyson made quite a scene just a moment ago and everyone seems to have forgotten already. Everyone knows each other so it doesn't matter," Mariah said.

"Hmm, not everyone. That new team do not. What did Rei say they were called?"

"The Feathered Kingdom Bladers," Kevin snickered.

"Yes, that was it. Have you guys heard of them before? I know Rei said they were a new team but I don't think they've been in any tournaments recently. So how is it that they got into the exhibition matches of the World Championships?"

"I was wondering the same thing actually."

The White Tigers looked up at the orange-haired girl as she pushed her large glasses back up her nose.

"Hello Emily," Lee greeted.

"This new team, you haven't heard of them either then?" she asked, straight to the point as usual.

"No. All we really know about them is what Rei told us. They are the UK team."

"Hmm, interesting," Emily mused, glancing over at the FKB as a waiter wrote down their choice for dinner. "Are they even any good?"

"Dunno. Well, the captain beat two Bladebreakers, one of which was Rei, in a tournament six months ago, but we don't know about the others. You'll have to ask Kenny as he has data stored on his laptop. Their blades were analysed this morning before we arrived," Lee said.

"I see, so that doesn't help us."

"Oh, their team captain is also Kai's girlfriend," Mariah chipped in.

Emily stared at her then back at the FKB's table.

"Really?"

Mariah nodded and pointed out Appolene.

"That's her apparently. She was the only one who wasn't there when we met them because she was with Kai. She sure dresses funny. And what is up with her hair?"

"Mariah," Lee said warningly.

"This is intriguing. Very. I will have to look into this further I think. Thank you," Emily nodded primly and went back to the table where the All Starz were seated.

"So Emily, what did they say?" Michael enquired through a mouthful of food.

Emily wrinkled her nose in disgust and instead turned to Judy to repeat what the White Tigers had told her. Judy took a sip from her glass of wine and furrowed her brow.

"This is strange," she commented, glancing over at the FKB. "A team that no one has heard of has gotten into the World Championship exhibition matches."

"Don't worry Judy, we'll wipe 'em out in the first round, no problem," Eddy said, grinning.

"That's not what worries me," the blonde murmured. "It looks to me like the Championships are going to go just as smoothly as last time."

"But Judy, they didn't go smoothly at all. There was that whole mess with Kai and Biovolt trying to take over the world," said Steve.

"Exactly."

"Tyson!" Hilary screeched, banging furiously on the door to the room he was sharing with Max, "get a move on, we're leaving!"

"Alright, alright," came Tyson's irritable reply. "Don't get your panties in a bunch about it!"

The door opened and Tyson stormed out with a suitcase. Hilary stared.

"Is that all you are taking?" she demanded.

"Yeah. It's only for a couple of days Hilary. Mr. D said we could leave the rest of our stuff here. The hotel's not going to give away our rooms or anything."

Hilary sighed, rolling her eyes.

"Fine, fine, just move it already. The others have gone."

"What? They didn't wait for me?"

"No, they didn't," she snapped, pushing him out into the corridor and locking up the room. "And the train won't either if you don't get a move on!"

"Okay! I heard you the first time!" he yelled, looking back at her as he marched away down the corridor.

"Ow! Hey, Tyson. Better watch where you're going mate," Delaney said when Tyson crashed into him.

"What? Oh, sorry man. I was just trying to get away from Ms. Bossy-boots back there," Tyson replied, jerking a thumb in Hilary's direction.

Delaney looked over Tyson's shoulder to see a fuming Hilary standing behind the World Champion, her hands itching to wrap around his neck and throttle him until his large head popped off. A bead of sweat ran down his face as he laughed nervously.

"Sure Tyson, okay. But if I were you, I'd start running."

"Huh, wha?" Tyson looked around just in time to see Hilary swing her fist at his face. He ducked, tripped over his suitcase and flew across the corridor.

He scrambled to his feet and bolted for the stairs as fast as his legs would carry him.

"TYSON! When I get a hold of you, you are going to be so sorry!" Hilary screamed, chasing after him.

Delaney shook his head and turned his attention back to his room.

"Come on Gwennie. If Hilary thinks Tyson is running late then you must be moving at snail's pace. We have a train to catch!"

"I'm well aware of that Delaney. This is the last one," the blonde huffed as she hauled a fifth suitcase onto the trolley. "There we are."

The red-head rolled his eyes.

"Is this really necessary? It's for two days."

"There is no way I'm leaving my wardrobe here where any of those hotel workers can get their hands on them. Nuh uh, it's all coming with me."

"Okay, whatever but can we go now?"

"Yes, yes, let's go."

"The train to St. Petersburg will be docking at platform 2. All passengers for the train to St. Petersburg please proceed to platform 2."

Delaney huffed and puffed as he hauled the trolley carrying Gwennie's cases onto the platform. Severely out of breath, he collapsed beside them, panting. Appolene knelt beside him and smiled sympathetically.

"You know, you really didn't have to drag them for her. You should have made her do it. It is her luggage after all."

Delaney managed to grin at her.

"That's true, but what sort of gentleman would I be if I didn't offer to take the cases for a lady, hmm?" and he chuckled.

"You didn't offer for me or Heather."

"You'd gone before I had the chance Appy. But maybe that was a good thing. I don't think I would've coped, do you?"

Appolene giggled.

"No, maybe not. Ah well, they just need to be put into the luggage compartment now." She stood up at the sound of rattling and a whistle. "And speaking of which, here's the train."

The large engine rushed past them as it slid into the station, stopping just a short distance from where they stood. Appy pulled Delaney to his feet. The red-head grimaced as he put his weight behind the trolley once again and trudge towards the luggage compartment. The guard opened the doors and, after verifying who each person was, allowed them to board the train.

"Leave these with us, Sir," he said to Delaney, eyeing the luggage.

Delaney sighed with relief.

"Thanks," he beamed and left the trolley with the guard. "Mind though, their heavy."

He stepped up into the compartment two carriages down from the luggage compartment as that was where the FKB had been assigned to. He looked around and whistled.

"This place is kitted out rather fancy isn't it," he said, slumping down onto one of the red leather seats. "Real posh looking. The hosts are really going all out."

"Yes, they most certainly are," Gwennie nodded in approval. "This is luxury."

She took a seat beside Delaney. Appy and Heather took the seats opposite.

"Ah good, you are all here. Good, good," a flustered woman said, poking her head through the door. "Feathered Kingdom Bladers isn't it? Yes, yes that's right. You're all accounted for." She scribbled something on her clipboard and dashed off. As soon as she was gone, the door to the compartment slid shut.

"Last call for the train to St. Petersburg!" a voice rang out through the station.

"Guess that means we'll be leaving soon," Heather grinned gleefully. "I can't wait."

"Yeah," Appy smiled, a little nervously. "Me either."

"Let me see, Bladebreakers, Bladebreakers. Oh, there you are, top of the list. And yep, you're all here. That's everyone. Good, we can leave on time."

The Bladebreakers watched as the flustered woman ducked out of their carriage and the door slid shut. A whistle sounded and there was a sudden jolt as the train lurched into life and set off again. Tyson sat back in his chair and sighed.

"So, off to St. Petersburg and some lame ball," he said irritably.

"Oh will you be quiet Tyson. You could've stayed in the hotel if you had really wanted to," Hilary said, frowning.

"Yeah right, as if I'd get left behind. I have a reputation you know," the navy-haired boy snorted.

"Do you think you guys could not fight for a change," Kenny asked as he flipped open his laptop. "We're being treated to what could almost be called a vacation here so why can't you just try to get along for the duration?"

Hilary and Tyson both glared at each other.

"Fine, whatever," they said simultaneously.

"Thank you."

The group sat in silence for a while as the train sped out of Moscow and into the snowy blizzard. There was the faint clack of Kenny tapping away at his keyboard but no one seemed to mind. Then suddenly:

"KENNY!"

The brunette jumped and his glasses fell off his head. The entire team looked around to see Emily standing in the doorway to their apartment. Through the door they could see the White Tigers, looking somewhat disgruntled at having her barge through their carriage. The orange-haired girl pushed her glasses up her nose and sat down beside Kenny without even asking Tyson to move over.

"Hey!" Tyson protested.

"Oh grow up," Emily snapped. "Kenny, I want to see the data you have on the UK team's blades."

"Huh, wha? Oh, yeah, okay," Kenny said, somewhat flustered. His cheeks were glowing as he pulled up the files Emily requested.

Emily pulled the laptop away and sat it on her own lap to scan the data, memorising it.

"Hmm," she said. "They don't seem all that special. Reasonably average if you ask me. Even the captain doesn't look to be out of the ordinary. Typical endurance based blade –" she clicked on the video file Kenny had taken of Appolene's blade running the obstacle course "– and it looks like she doesn't always think her moves through. Makes me wonder how on earth she managed to beat two of you." She glanced at Max and Rei. "Were you two having a bad day or something? If not I dread to think how lax your skills must be in order to lose to this girl."

Rei and Max exchanged looks.

"She's not that bad Emily. She does think things through. She beat us fair and square," Max tried to explain. "She's just not bladed on snow before. That's why she messed up on the video."

"That's irrelevant. A good blader should always be able to work with any terrain. This girl is only sub-par."

Kai's brow furrowed as he glared at Emily. The orange-haired girl looked up at him over the top of the laptop. She smirked.

"And what about you? I would have thought a girl who blades like this would be beneath you Kai. You're a loner, a solitary wolf. What good could a girl like this do you? If anything she'll bring you down. Make you go soft."

Kai's eyes narrowed dangerously but Emily seemed unfazed.

"Struck a nerve, obviously. She's definitely had a bad effect on you Kai."

"Be quiet," Kai growled. "You shut up about Appolene. You know nothing."

"That's true. That's why I'm here. I'm keen to find out everything I can about this girl and her team. I want to know why they are here. They have only been in existence six months and no major tournaments have taken place in that time. I find it highly suspicious that they got into the exhibition tournament."

The Bladebreakers stared at her. They hadn't actually thought about that. Emily was right. How did they Feathered Kingdom Bladers manage to get into the exhibition matches? Emily raised an eyebrow.

"Hadn't crossed your minds I see. Probably because you are all so chummy with his girlfriend," she gestured a hand at Kai. "Well, I'm not the only one who's curious. The White Tigers are somewhat intrigued by this problem also. And I'm sure the Majestics will be too, when they meet them."

"And the Demolition Boys?" Rei enquired.

Emily frowned.

"I'm not sure. I don't trust their judgement on this anyway. After last year I don't see why they should even be allowed to participate but whatever. It's not them I'm worried about." She stood up, handing the laptop back to Kenny. "Thank you, that data has given me something at least. We know there is nothing significant about them…yet." She made to leave the compartment but paused in the doorway. She looked back at Kai. "I'd heed what I said Kai. You may not want to think it but that girl is going to cause you problems. She's a weakness, Kai. And I know you hate those." And she left.

Kai stared at the door, still scowling. Tyson looked at him, and then waved a hand in front of his face.

"Yo, Kai? You in there?"

Kai's eyes shifted so they were fixed on him. They were narrowed and Tyson felt a bead of sweat run down his face. He laughed.

"Heh hey, don't take this out on me. I'm not the one who said your girlfriend was a loser…though now you mention it OW!" He turned to stare at Rei.

"Shut up will you," the neko-jin growled through his teeth, glancing wearily at Kai.

Tyson rubbed his shin where Rei had kicked him, grumbling, but didn't say anymore to Kai. The slate-haired captain turned irritably to stare out of the window at the snow-covered trees rushing past.

"She's a weakness, Kai. And I know you hate those."

He shook his head. Emily might be a genius but she that did not mean she was always right. She knew nothing about Appolene. She could not make such conclusions. He didn't care that she had a point about the FKB getting in to the tournament without evidence of having been in any others prior to it. She still had no right to say that he, Kai, was going soft because of a girl. It made no difference whether he had a girlfriend or not. He was still as good a blader as he ever was and he would show her. He would prove she was wrong. That she knew nothing…

"She's a weakness Kai…a weakness…"

Lady: Okay, so I finally brought you chapter 4. I know, I know, I keep making you wait…if there is anyone who actually waits for my fics…I really appreciated everyone who does read this story. Makes me happy to know my writing is actually of some vague interest.

But yeah, it's here. I do have the excuse that I had my GCSEs and revision and a computer ban which prevented me from updating sooner. That on top of my procrastinating habits means you had to wait until July. Sorry 'bout that. Don't kill me. Please?

I promise I won't make you wait that long again. I have two months of vegetating ahead so I can't really not update. So it should be soonish. Okay? Until next chapter then.